Two frontmen with boatloads of star potential. Two mega-producers in the booth. Two hugely successful records to their credit. With the fates conspiring, Manana had really only one way to go. In the Latin pop world, this release definitely takes more to the pop side, less the Latin. To the naked ear, the only thing Latino about this record is the language. That said, one knows that anything touched by contributor Brian McKnight turns to gold. The same goes for arranger Bill Meyers, with a credits list that reads like a who's who in pop music from the mid-'70s on up. From the sensitive balladry that made Sin Bandera famous, like "Suelta Mi Mano" or "Tocame," to the block-rocking loops on "Junto a Ti" and "No, No," this disc was obviously made with radio playability in mind from the beginning. With an unforgettable hook in just about every track, they hit their mark. Occasionally the production can become suffocating and smother the song. Even for the most dedicated, sugar-pop listener, "No Voy" could prove too sweet to stomach. Manana is a solid album from back to front, consistent in quality and style. It will prove to be a pleasurable listen, especially for those who can overlook the over-produced cut here and there. Sin Bandera has solidified their place on the charts with yet another almost spotless record.
© Evan C. Gutierrez /TiVo